There's been so much happening this last month - here's some of the good stuff...

Got to hang with these awesome blogger chicks... some are current bloggers, some retired bloggers, new bloggers and also a few bloggers currently in hibernation - but I think they are all pretty awesome and there are always lots of laughs when we catch up.  It was extra special having the awesome Leonie come along.  We miss you Leonie!!  Also welcome to Hope from The Carpenter's Helpmeet!

There was some time for crafting in public too...

My Nana, Mum, two girls and myself had the fabulous experience of travelling to Auckland to see the Sound of Music Stage Show at The Civic a couple of weeks ago!  For those of you not familiar with The Civic, that place itself is an experience with it's golden adorned interior, sparkly star ceiling and amazing stairways and design.  The show was so good and such a treat for this Sound of Music loving bunch of girls!  I kid you not,,, the drive down and back home was filled with much song and laughter.

We came across some of the chocolate milk that has been sending New Zealand into a frenzy with security guards needed at supermarkets, black market stuff being sold on the internet and ques for hours to taste this stuff (I'm not kidding!).  My view - delicious and my most favourite chocolate milk.. but I wouldn't cry myself to sleep at night about not having had a taste yet... it will come your way soon people!

Loving making Penguin Pie with my girl - actually Bacon & Egg Pie, but penguins on top totally makes sense aye?!?  This one is obsessed with penguins... thankfully she now wants to work with penguins when she grows up, rather than 'be' a penguin when she grows up...

Loving local sunsets - God's artwork in the sky...

Loving my church family - I love the heart this place has for each other and it's community...

I have finally finished my Crosses Granny Square blanket!  Just currently threading in about a million ends and then will show you it!

Really enjoyed a recent family reunion of Symon's side of the family down in Auckland... great bunch of people if I do say so myself!

So much happening right now - including my eldest prepping for NCEA Level 1 exams.  Like they say, they do grow up ever so fast, all the more reason to stop and enjoy every moment, take stock of the blessings and look forward to making many more memories.

So much to be thankful for. xoxo

And with the blink of an eye, we now have 2 teenagers in our family!  I remember the day this little 8lb 11oz guy was born - and just like that he's now nearly as tall as me, has bigger feet than his Dad, and can proudly pronounce Pi to the 11th decimal space.

Wow.

The school lunch boxes are already getting a bit low, and while browsing one of my recipe books (A Good Baking Day - 500 recipes from the kitchens of Rural Women New Zealand) the Weet-Bix Biscuits recipe caught my eye.

These biscuits are quick and easy to make, and taste yum!  I've had to limit the kids from eating them so that there are some left for the school lunches!

I would totally recommend checking out this book A Good Baking Day for this recipe and many other delicious Kiwi baking treats!  Thank you so much to Cat for this fabulous book!!

For more delicious recipes visit here.

My lovely Aunty and Uncle let us stay at their beach house, such an awesome spot where you can get away from civilization... but not too far away. 

I was once again blown away by the beauty of New Zealand beaches, and by how awesome God is...

The kids loved exploring the beaches, swimming in the freezing water, having a go at fishing, and spending heaps of family time relaxing, playing board games/cards, laughing, crochet and reading. The 3 boys even found and completed a kitten puzzle!  Hehe.

So here's to carving out time for those you love, instead of letting the busyness of life take priority.

Here's to amazing generous family who let you stay in their homes.

Here's to New Zealand - such a beautiful place to live!

Here's to my precious husband and kids - I love you guys heaps.